Platinum is a valuable, rare metal that is heavier than gold and has a higher tensile strength. Platinum's purity gives a platinum wedding bands a brilliant white luster and is the best metal to show off the true radiance of diamonds and other gems. A wedding band made of platinum is stronger, wears better, and lasts longer. Platinum will not tarnish. Because of its purity, it is hypoallergenic and is perfect for people with sensitive skin. Most platinum jewelry including platinum bands is 90% or 95% pure and because of that, it is a better investment than gold jewelry (18k gold is 75% pure and 14k gold is 58.5% pure).
Platinum is a rare metal. It is 35 times rarer than gold. It takes eight weeks and ten tons of ore to produce one ounce of Platinum. For every ten gold mines that exist in the world there is only one Platinum mine. During the average year, approximately 2,700 tons of gold are used in the manufacture of jewelry but only 88 tons of platinum are used to make jewelry including platinum wedding bands. Platinum seems to cost more than gold, but upon further study it becomes clear that the cost of Platinum is due to the fact that Platinum is purer than gold and much more rare.
All metals scratch. However, the difference between a gold band and a Platinum band is that when the gold scratches, it wears away a little of the metal. However, when the Platinum band scratches it merely displaces the metal. In other words, the metal moves a little to the side. It is not lost. So therefore that is why Platinum is known as "The Eternal Metal".
Be aware that over time Platinum bands develop a natural patina that many people prefer over the "just polished" look. However, if you prefer the "high gloss" look, you can take your platinum band to a qualified jeweler and have them polish it. If your platinum band contains diamonds or other gemstones, you should have it checked periodically by a qualified jeweler to make sure your stones have not loosened and that the prongs are not worn or bent.
